First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh back in action, Charley Hull launching on YouTube soon. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has officially withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting on February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major champion plans to stay connected with competing circuits but needs more time for his family. LIV CEO Scott McNeil confirmed the friendly agreement. However, Koepka is a competitor who thrives on high-level competition, something he only somewhat found at LIV. He originally joined LIV in 2022 mainly due to injury concerns and to secure his retirement earnings. This explains his decision to forgo the final contracted season, though questions remain about any financial settlements and his ownership status of LIV team Smash GC, now captained by Talor Gooch.
Speculation continues about where Koepka will compete next. He is immediately eligible for the DP World Tour, likely subject to penalties, or potentially return to the PGA Tour, where he serves a one-year suspension from last LIV events, significantly reduced from the original lifetime ban by former Commissioner Jay Monahan. According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, seeking reinstatement into the player field.
Koepka’s suspension is expected to end in August, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2026 season. He would be eligible to play in 2027 when the PGA Tour launches its compressed schedule featuring roughly two dozen $20 million tournaments with limited, top-tier fields, an ideal return timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome a marquee name like Koepka joining the new elite league.
Jon Rahm recently expressed confidence in Koepka’s return during the \”Subpar\” podcast, suggesting he will likely play at least the minimum required events and his favorite big tournaments. The PGA Tour’s board, player directors, and Tiger Woods-led competition committee have influence over suspensions; Rory McIlroy recommended allowing Koepka’s immediate return.
Update: It has happened: News spread quickly Monday evening that Koepka is reinstated immediately to the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January at Torrey Pines. He is also confirmed to play the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
The reinstatement was made possible by the new \”Returning Member Program,\” introduced last Thursday, allowing selected LIV players to rejoin the PGA Tour without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship win, were considered.
The PGA Tour stated this special rule applies to major and Players Championship winners from the past three years, valid until February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp described it as a one-time opportunity and not a precedent for future cases. This development could impact other LIV players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith, causing unease within LIV Golf.
Koepka’s penalties for crossing to LIV Golf are moderate: a $5 million donation to PGA Tour charity, exclusion from the 2026 FedEx Cup bonus and from the PGA Tour Enterprises capital participation program for five years.